Q:- Explain the probability and nonprobability sampling techniques.
Sampling means selecting a particular group or sample to represent the entire
population. Sampling methods are majorly divided into two categories probability
sampling and non-probability sampling. In the first case, each member has a fixed,
known opportunity to belong to the sample, whereas in the second case, there is no
specific probability of an individual to be a part of the sample. For a layman, these
two concepts are same, but in reality, they are different in the sense that in
probability sampling every member of the population gets a fair chance of selection
which is not in the case with non-probability sampling. Other important differences
between probability and non-probability sampling are compiled in the article below.
Probability Vs Non-Probability
1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion
Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR NON-PROBABILITY
PROBABILITY SAMPLING
COMPARISON SAMPLING
Meaning Probability sampling is a Nonprobability sampling is a
sampling technique, in which method of sampling wherein, it
the subjects of the population is not known that which
get an equal opportunity to be individual from the population
selected as a representative will be selected as a sample.
sample.
Alternately known Random sampling Non-random sampling
as
Basis of selection Randomly Arbitrarily
Opportunity of Fixed and known Not specified and unknown
selection
Research Conclusive Exploratory
Result Unbiased Biased
BASIS FOR NON-PROBABILITY
PROBABILITY SAMPLING
COMPARISON SAMPLING
Method Objective Subjective
Inferences Statistical Analytical
Hypothesis Tested Generated
Definition of Probability Sampling
In statistics, probability sampling refers to the sampling method in which all the
members of the population has a pre-specified and an equal chance to be a part of
the sample. This technique is based on the randomization principle, wherein the
procedure is so designed, which guarantees that each and every individual of the
population has an equal selection opportunity. This helps to reduce the possibility of
bias.
Statistical inferences can be made by the researchers using this technique, i.e. the
result obtained can be generalised from the surveyed sample to the target population.
The methods of probability sampling, are provided below:
Simple Random Sampling
Stratified Sampling
Cluster Sampling
Systematic Sampling
Definition of Non-Probability Sampling
When in a sampling method, all the individuals of the universe are not given an equal
opportunity of becoming a part of the sample, the method is said to be Non-
probability sampling. Under this technique as such, there is no probability attached
to the unit of the population and the selection relies on the subjective judgment of
the researcher. Therefore, the conclusions drawn by the sampler cannot be inferred
from the sample to the whole population. The methods of non-probability sampling
are listed below:
Convenience Sampling
Quota Sampling
Judgment or Purposive Sampling
Snowball Sampling
Key Differences Between Probability and Non-Probability Sampling
The significant differences between probability and non-probability sampling
1. The sampling technique, in which the subjects of the population get an equal
opportunity to be selected as a representative sample, is known as probability
sampling. A sampling method in which it is not known that which individual
from the population will be chosen as a sample, is called nonprobability
sampling.
2. The basis of probability sampling is randomization or chance, so it is also
known as Random sampling. On the contrary, in non-probability sampling
randomization technique is not applied for selecting a sample. Hence it is
considered as Non-random sampling.
3. In probability sampling, the sampler chooses the representative to be part of
the sample randomly, whereas, in non-probability sampling, the subject is
chosen arbitrarily, to belong to the sample by the researcher.
4. The chances of selection in probability sampling, are fixed and known. As
opposed to non-probability sampling, the selection probability is zero, i.e. it is
neither specified not known.
5. Probability sampling is used when the research is conclusive in nature. On the
other hand, when the research is exploratory, nonprobability sampling should
be used.
6. The results generated by probability sampling, are free from bias while the
results of non-probability sampling are more or less biased.
7. As the subjects are selected randomly by the researcher in probability
sampling, so the extent to which it represents the whole population is higher
as compared to the nonprobability sampling. That is why extrapolation of
results to the entire population is possible in the probability sampling but not
in non-probability sampling.
8. Probability sampling test hypothesis but nonprobability sampling generates it.
Conclusion
While probability sampling is based on the principle of randomization where every
entity gets a fair chance to be a part of the sample, non-probability sampling relies on
the assumption that the characteristics are evenly distributed within the population,
which make the sampler believe that any sample so selected would represent the
whole population and the results drawn would be accurate.
